HC Deb 14 November 1951 vol 493 cc974-5
45. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now make a statement about the appointment of a Supreme Commander for the North Atlantic.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Harry Crookshank)

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has no statement to make at present on this subject.

Mr. Chetwynd

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Prime Minister has changed his mind about this since he had talks with Admiral Fechteler about this position?

>Hon. Members: Answer!

Mr. E. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to answer the question?

Mr. Crookshank

No, Sir, I have just said that the Prime Minister has no statement to make on this subject.

Mr. Shinwell

I am sorry that the Prime Minister is not present. There may be a very good reason why he is not, and I am not going to inquire into that. In view of the fact that the Prime Minister, when he was Leader of the Opposition, made a definite statement about his position in this respect, are we to understand that he has now had second thoughts on the subject? Why cannot we have a definite statement now as to the intentions of the Prime Minister?

Mr. Crookshank

My right hon. Friend will certainly make a statement in due course.

Mr. Shinwell

May I ask the Leader of the House how long we have to wait for a statement from the Prime Minister, particularly in view of the fact that Admiral Fechteler was in Europe quite recently and had conversations with the Prime Minister in Downing Street? What transpired during those conversations?

Hon. Members: Answer!

Mr. Speaker

A Minister is not obliged to answer a question.